Popular Destinations in Kentucky

Vacation Rentals in Kentucky

Find a Beautiful Vacation Rental in the Bluegrass State

If you want natural beauty, great food, sporting attractions, and rich history, Kentucky is the place to visit. And there are some great places to stay in the Bluegrass State. From timber framed family homes near attractions like Mammoth Cave, to rural cabin properties near small towns like Jamestown, the Kentucky countryside is packed with rental options.

Stay in One of Kentucky's Magical Cities

But you don't need to stay in a rural retreat. You will also find plenty of urban homes and apartments in the state's biggest cities. For instance, you could stay in a modern vacation apartment in Louisville, or in the state capital, Frankfort. Stay close to major sporting attractions like Churchill Downs, and be conveniently located for shopping, dining, and cultural events. Either way, Kentucky is a fine place to stay.

Holiday in Kentucky

Orientation

Getting to Know Kentucky

Kentucky is located west of the Appalachian Mountains, south of Ohio, and north of Tennessee. It's not a large state in terms of size, but the geography is really diverse, from stunning mountains and river valleys, to rolling farmland and massive recreational lakes.

How to Reach Kentucky

Getting to the state isn't hard. I-64 runs into the state from the east, while I-69 connects it to the west, and I-75 links it with the south. There are Amtrak stations in cities like Louisville and Ashland, while you can fly into airports at Louisville and Lexington.

Advice for Traveling Around Kentucky

To get the most out of a trip to the state, it helps to have your own vehicle. If you intend to explore areas like the Daniel Boone National Forest or the Lakes near Kentucky Lake, a 4-wheel drive vehicle really helps.

Activities in Kentucky

A Great Sporting Destination

Kentucky and sport are impossible to separate. In Louisville, visitors can learn all about Muhammad Ali, and see the original “slugger”, while the Kentucky Derby is America's premier horse racing event.

Paradise for Outdoor Lovers

The state is crammed full of amazingly beautiful regions. Kentucky Lake in the southwest is heaven for fishing fans, while the Daniel Boone National Forest hosts wonders like the Yahoo Arch, and the Cumberland Gap in the east is simply stunning.

A Historical Feast

Kentucky has seen plenty of history. Find out all about it at attractions like the Shaker Village in Harrodsburg or Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville.

Kentucky is a state of “firsts”, from serving the world's first cheeseburger in 1934, to hosting the first public demonstration of an electric light bulb in 1883.

Top 5 Things to Do in Kentucky

1. Visit Louisville

Louisville is the state's most engaging city, thanks to attractions like the Slugger Museum, the racing track at Churchill Downs, and the Muhammad Ali Center.

2. See Mammoth Cave

Located in its very own National Park, Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. In fact, we've explored 400 miles and still haven't reached the end. Cave tours are a magical experience.

3. Visit Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace

Although he's associated more with Illinois, President Lincoln was born at Hodgenville in Kentucky. This powerful monument includes a reconstruction of the cabin where he was born.

4. Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Bourbon is one of Kentucky's greatest exports, and fans of Makers Mark can expand their palates by following the Bourbon Trail, which includes all of the leading distilleries.

5. See the Famous Cumberland Gap

Located in south-eastern Kentucky, the Cumberland Gap was once the only route across the Appalachians. Nowadays, the National Park is both a fascinating historical museum and a beautiful mountain reserve.

Useful Information

Kentucky Has Destinations For Every Season

If you're planning a summer escape to Kentucky, the state has plenty of candidates, from Kentucky Lake to Big South Fork. From fishing to caving, they offer a galaxy of activities to enjoy. Spring and fall vacationers will find ideal hiking conditions and great views in the Appalachians, while the Derby takes place in May. But towns like Louisville or Bowling Green have plenty to offer in the winter, too.

Unmissable Experiences in Kentucky

Great events take place across the state, and picking highlights isn't easy. But if you're after some top class southern cooking, mid-May's International Bar-B-Q Festival in Owensboro is not to be missed. The State Fair takes place in Louisville every August and attracts over 600,000 visitors to its horse exhibitions and stunt riding demonstrations. And there's also the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, which takes place every September in Bardstown.